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Daschle confident U.S. Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle said he is hopeful colleagues and staff can return to work in their Senate offices soon after the buildings are cleared of anthrax.
in terror war
In Waikiki, he urges partnerships
with Asian-Pacific nationsBy Pat Omandam
pomandam@starbulletin.comA letter containing a highly concentrated form of anthrax was sent to Daschle's Washington, D.C., office in mid-October, with dozens of people testing positive for exposure to the bacteria. As a result, all three of the Senate's office buildings were shut down for testing and decontamination.
"It looks now as if it's anthrax-free," said Daschle, D-South Dakota, in Waikiki yesterday to speak to an international delegation attending the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum at the Hilton Hawaiian Village. "We are very hopeful that we'll be able to move into the Senate offices within the next 10 days."
Daschle told representatives from 25 Pacific Rim countries that Hawaii is America's bridge to Asia and that a majority of residents here trace their roots to Asia and the Pacific.
"We have always felt -- those of us who have a good fortune to visit here -- that Hawaii has always reflected the rich diversity that is the source of America's strength," he said.
Daschle praised fellow Democrats Hawaii Sens. Daniel K. Inouye and Daniel K. Akaka for their work in Congress and said the two have made it very clear that Hawaii needs some economic help in its travel and tourism industry following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
There are signs the country's travel and tourism industries are rebounding, he said, but it is going to take awhile.
Daschle said terrorists are mistaken if they think the attacks will force the United States to withdraw from the world. Instead, it only strengthened the country's commitment to democracy and freedom. Moreover, he said, the country will continue to work for open markets in Asia and remain a strong partner and active participant in the region.
Forum delegates yesterday made terrorism their primary theme this year and called for all countries to seek solutions to a variety of political, economic and social problems, including poverty and regional conflicts, which terrorists could use to justify their attacks.
Inouye said groups like the Asia Pacific Parliamentary Forum, hosted this year by Hawaii's East-West Center, facilitate much-needed discussion on peace in the region.
"I think when these nations from throughout the Pacific gather, a better understanding develops," Inouye said. "So this is an important meeting."
Adm. Dennis C. Blair, Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Pacific Command, told delegates there is an overall trend in the region toward smaller, more professional armed forces. They focus on sovereignty and self-defense, but there is increased cooperation among armed forces in the region.
Referring to the significant separatist movements in the region, such as in the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and Nepal, Blair said:
"My recommendation to you parliamentarians is to provide the political and economic components of policies which deal with insurgencies.
"Also, ensure that your troops sent to deal with rebel forces are adequately trained, equipped and led, and hold them responsible for their actions."
